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Terry McClure has covered a lot of ground in the past four-plus years. Literally and figuratively. The recently retired president of Ohio Farm Bureau has been to Mexico, Cuba and numerous places throughout the United States. And he’s put tens of thousands of miles on the family pickup driving throughout Ohio to attend countless Farm Bureau functions. The other ground he’s covered is even broader. A new farm bill, international trade, tax policy, legislation, regulation, livestock expansion, food safety, the proper role of government, and consumer education are among the issues he tackled as OFBF’s 20^th president.

Now, the Paulding County farmer has accepted a new challenge. McClure resigned his Farm Bureau leadership post last month when the board of directors of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company nominated him to join their board. He was elected to that position during the Nationwide annual meeting in early April.

McClure served as president since December 2000. When asked about accomplishments during his tenure, he was quick to downplay his individual efforts. "It wasn’t me doing these things, it was everyone. We have a great board and great members. Our executives and staff are the best." McClure said he’s pleased that "Farm Bureau has begun to spread its wings. We’ve realized that many non-ag issues affect us and our rural neighbors." He mentioned OFBF’s activism in the state budget process, reform of civil litigation laws, recent supreme court races and the defeat last November of State Issue 1 as areas where "Farm Bureau had a very big effect." He also believes the organization has prepared itself well to expand its job of sharing agriculture’s message with the public.

Being OFBF president and serving on the American Farm Bureau Federation board have required an enormous time commitment, time away from the farm and family. McClure called his family a "blessing" and thanked his wife, Lisa, their children, Ryan, Alison and Madison, and his parents, Darwin and Sharon, for the opportunity to devote so much time to Farm Bureau. And he added, "Our farm and our personal life has grown because of this experience. It’s been rewarding."

In his new role on the Nationwide board, McClure said he looks forward to being an advocate for the policyholder. "We (farmers and policyholders) depend on these policies to protect us," he said. He added that he’s proud to be a part of a mutual company that strives to "fill a need at a fair price."

McClure laughed as he told about reaction in his home community when the news arrived about his resignation from the Farm Bureau presidency. "People wanted to know what I’d done wrong!" The questions were obviously in jest. Those who have worked alongside Terry McClure call him thoughtful, humble, dedicated and sincere. Upon leaving the job he’s dedicated himself to for more than four years, McClure said, "I walk away feeling satisfied that the time has been well spent."

Cutline: Media relations were an important part of Terry McClure’s job as OFBF president. His work with city reporters helped share agriculture’s message and through the farm media members were kept informed. Here, McClure visits with Ohio Farmer magazine editor Tim White. Photo by OFBF staff